A Weekend of art, artists and open studios in the Riebeek Valley

From artists’ open studios and curated exhibitions to food experiences and live music under the Swartland sky, Solo Studios returns from 24–26 October with a full weekend of creative immersion – from Riebeek Kasteel to Riebeek West.

Laurel Heritage ‘by the light of the moonflower’

In a world in which we usually engage with art within the confines of museum and gallery walls, Solo Studios embodies the personal connection between artist and viewer, over a weekend of open artists’ studios in the glorious Riebeek Valley, from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 October. More than 60 artists will be on hand to show and discuss their work and creative practices in Riebeek Kasteel (RK) and Riebeek West over a weekend of art, culture, food and small town hospitality, set against the backdrop of Swartland vineyards, olive groves and mountainscapes.

“It’s no accident that so many artists call this place home,” says Ashley Stone, co-owner and co-project manager of Solo Studios. “Those of us lucky to live and work in this picturesque valley know how inspiring it is, especially to creative people. Solo Studios is an exciting opportunity for our artists to directly share how this inspiration takes form, and for visitors to acquire artwork with a personal connection – along with a healthy dose of country living.”

“This year, in addition to our local talent, we are also focusing on the cross-pollination of our community with artists from other areas, which brings an exciting new dimension to Solo Studios,” says Stone.

Northern Cape’s MAPSA touches down in RK

A highlight is LANDscape[s], an exhibition hosted at Die Kunshuis, featuring selected works from the private collection of Modern Art Projects South Africa (MAPSA), based in Richmond, Northern Cape. The exhibition is curated by Miné Kleynhans from the University of the Free State, and offers reflections on the imaginings that Richmond elicits: ruminations on the passage of time, excavations into our past, the meaning and consequences of our present endeavours and that which will one day become relics to our future selves.

Art and Ardmore in a creative space of sustainability

Louis Jansen van Vuuren is an artist whose living spaces – whether a country home in Riebeek Kasteel or a chateau in central France – have always embodied the creative spirit. Jansen van Vuuren and partner Hardy Olivier will open their newly built luxurious home and studio called EcoPlace, built entirely out of recycled plastic and fabric, as a gallery venue for an exhibition of five artists, including Janse van Vuuren, esteemed ceramic studio Ardmore Ceramics from Kwazulu-Natal, Ashley Ogilvy, Linda Weaver and Ruan Huiseman.

From the Deep South to the Bergriver and straight to the heart of the Swartland

What started as a friendship between artists and gallerists from Riebeek Kasteel and the village of Kommetjie in Cape Town’s Deep South has coalesced into a full-scale exhibition of 13 Kommetjie female artists at this year’s Solo Studios, called Red Hot, Pink Spot, with works from sculptures to porcelain to ceramics to paintings and monotypes. These works will be exhibited at the Church Hall in Riebeek West.

Speaking of Riebeek West, it will be in full bloom, with the newly opened Blacksmith Yard Gallery hosting several ceramic and bronze artists. Of particular interest is the gallery’s collection of ceramics from the late Nicolene Swanepoel, who was a protegée of internationally recognised ceramic artist Wilma Cruise.

The regional cross-pollination continues with FEAST, a group exhibition of three artists from Porterville, to take place at the Old Post Office in Riebeek Kasteel.

In addition, the Riebeek Kasteel Village Square will be a hub of artistic making, with 15 ceramicists creating and selling their work.

Speaking of art

For those interested in learning more about art and art collecting, there will be two [IS2] talks over the course of the weekend: The Art of Collecting – from understanding value and significance to nurturing a collection that reflects both personal taste and cultural heritage with the insightful Elmarie van Straten of Strauss & Co., and Bricks and Books: Building with Contemporary Art in the Karoo.

With so much to experience – between stimulating studio visits, a feast of food choices and the natural beauty of the valley – visitors are encouraged to book for the whole weekend.

The list of artists participating in Solo Studios 2025 includes Louis Janesen van Vuuren, Ardmore, Astrid Dahl, Emma Willemse, Riaan van Zyl, Solly Smook, Kristen McClarty amongst many more.

Experience an unforgettable celebration of music with Vivaldi, The Movies and All That Jazz, a mesmerising performance by World Café, featuring the talented violinist Veronica Bell. Enjoy exquisite renditions of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, along with epic movie soundtracks and lively gypsy jazz. This remarkable show promises to be a fitting and inspiring closing to an incredible weekend of art.

While art studio and gallery hopping remains the beating heart of Solo Studios 2025, 24-26 October; there’s so much more on hand to cover your canvas: eat at a long table, drink wine from some of South Africa’s best producers, listen to classical music and soak in the natural beauty of the Swartland.This year’s event in the quaint towns of Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West offers abundant ways to fill your cultural, culinary and country living dance card.

The details:

Solo Studios 2025 is taking place in Riebeek Valley, from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 October.
Tickets are available and can be purchased via Solo Studios website at www.solostudios.co.za and Webtickets.

Participating artists and galleries: